How To: Change Default Programs in Windows

Issue/Question

  • How do I change the default programs on my Windows computer?

Overview

This article explains how to change default applications on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. It provides step-by-step instructions for setting preferred apps for tasks like email, web browsing, PDF viewing, and opening specific file types. Adjusting default apps allows users to customize their workflow and ensure files and links open with their preferred programs.

Environment

  • Windows 10

  • Windows 11

Resolution

Windows 10/11

  1. Open the Start menu, and select Settings.

  2. Click on Apps, then click Default Apps.

  3. Scroll through the list of apps until you find the one you want to make a default and click on it.
    - For web browsers: click Set Default. This will make it so that websites will open in that browser.
    - For other apps: click on each file type and select that app you want to make default.

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